Athletic Teams

POPLARVILLE --- Reiging MACJC-Region 23 men’s champion Pearl River fell 3-2 in its season opener here Sunday when Spring Hill (Ala.) rallied from a 2-1 deficit in the final five minutes to take a 3-2 victory. The host Wildcats dropped to 0-1, while the visiting Badgers are now 1-0 on the season. PRCC standouts Paul Millette, Jr., of Pascagoula High and Jake Polderman of Picayune High scored goal in the first half to give the Wildcats at 2-1 cushion over the four-year senior college at the intermission. That score remained intact until the final five minutes when the Badgers rallied to victory. “I felt pretty good about the game at that point,” said Wildcat head coach Paul Martin. “In fact, I had back up players in the game, but stuff happens. It shows you can’t take anything for granted.” Matt Lieshout, Andy McInnis, and Nick Smith scored the Badgers’ goals. PRCC’s women pulled off a 2-1 victory over Broward (Fla.) in Pensacola, Fla., on Friday in a preseason exhibition contest. Pearl River returns to action Friday when MACJC non-division foe Holmes visits Wildcat Stadium for 2 p.m. (women) and 4 p.m. (men) games. It will be the season opener for the Lady Wildcats.